Nuclear debate puts Asian tiger technocrats under pressure

The Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan caused a global reappraisal of the use of nuclear power in 2011. Three Asian tiger countries - Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - each relying on energy imports to drive their economies, are taking different routes on the future use of nuclear power which is a political issue as much as an economic one.

THE THREE pillars of the Asian miracle of the 20th century - Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - became rich by focussing on high-tech manufacturing, exports, infrastructure investments and high savings rates.

Singapore and Hong Kong, the other ‘tiger economies’, had a special status as former British colonies, city states and harbour citie...

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